New Music Business Briefing: Billboard Goes Russian, WMG Cools On EMI & More

UPDATED:

>>> The Canadian government has given Terry McBride’s Nettwerk Productions a $650,000CN grant in part to promote the country’s music. Where do we apply for the US grants?

>>> The Beatles and EMI have settled a $59 million royalty dispute that may pave the way for the Fab Four’s music to finally be available via download.

>>> Some pro-DRM execs have been promoted at Universal.

>>> WMG is using Musicrypt’s DMDS encryption and delivery service to radio in all format simultaneously thus eliminating the need to ship physical CD’s.

>>> Not sure why, but the Mercury Records imprint is being revived by Island DefJam. 

>>> Two previously independent service companies Bang and MOD have joined forces to provide music content and consulting services to advertisers, film and TV.

>>> Billboard has launched in Russia. Turkey is next.  Does anyone pay for music in these markets and who will the advertisers be?

>>> One WMG’s largest shareholders Thomas Lee Partners has spoken out less then enthusiastically about Warner’s potential takeover of EMI. (Reuters via Coolfer)

>>> The second largest radio group in California is finding success by…of all things…being local and unique.